Litigation

Most elections do not involve litigation, but in those that do, Reed & Davidson zealously represents its clients at all levels:

• Federal and state trial courts
• Federal and state appellate courts
• All administrative proceedings

Many issues may arise during the course of an election, including:

Ballot Arguments and Candidate Statements
In ballot measure campaigns and contests for elective office, ballot measure proponents and candidates may draft arguments or statements for voters. Reed & Davidson helps clients draft such arguments and statements to withstand legal challenges and challenge opponents’ arguments and statements that are false or misleading.

Ballot Designation
Ballot designation refers to the brief description next to a candidate’s name on the ballot. Down-ticket elections often turn on these descriptions. It’s crucial that candidates describe themselves accurately — and that opponents’ descriptions are true.

Public Records Litigation
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and California Public Records Act (CPRA) ensure openness and transparency in government. Reed & Davidson helps clients pursue litigation with agencies that withhold such public information. However, not all public records must be disclosed. We also represent public agencies facing public records litigation over records they legally do not have to disclose.